NOTES ON THE BIOLOGY OF THE WHITE STUMPNOSE, RHABDOSARGUS GLOBICEPS (CUVIER), AND ON THE FISH FAUNA OF THE KLEIN RIVER ESTUARY

Abstract

The fish fauna of the Klein River estuary is discussed in relation to food, shelter, and hydrographic conditions.

The biology of the white stumpnose is described on the basis of an examination of 1,905 specimens from estuarine and sea samples.

The growth rate of the white stumpnose as determined by length-frequency data and by otolith examination is suggested to be about 60 mm. per year.

Only juvenile white stumpnose are present in estuaries, entering annually, and remaining until they reach a length of about 140 mm., then leaving for the open sea and not returning.

Females are considered to mature at between 220 mm. and 240 mm. in length. Males were first found with well-developed gonads at 275 mm. Males and females were first found breeding in their third year.